Talpe , Sri Lanka

Bentota City Tour from Talpe

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About this experience

The first place you will visit is the strange and yet beautiful Lunuganga estate that was once the home of Sir Geoffrey Bawa. you will visit Balapitiya for the ultimate experience, the Madu River Safari.

Available options

Bentota City Tour from Talpe

Pickup included

What's included

Service of an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide.

Water bottle (per-person).

1-boat safari through Madu river.

Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.

Hotel pickup and drop off from Talpe.

Detailed itinerary

Talpe, located in southern Sri Lanka, boasts stunning beaches framed by swaying palms and azure waters. Renowned for its tranquil ambiance and luxury resorts, it's a haven for travelers seeking relaxation and water sports. Talpe's charm lies in its pristine shores, making it a serene coastal retreat.

The first item in your itinerary will be Bawa’s estate in Lunuganga. Sir Geoffrey Bawa, the much renowned lawyer turned architect, made the estate his country home from 1947 till his death in 1998. During his sojourn there he used the place as his experiment lab and made many architectural and interior additions. While visiting the estate you will get to see the beautifully designed gardens that are now open to the public. Some of the buildings of the estate are also now a country house hotel. The tour of the estate approximately takes two hours.

Balapitiya is a little southern town lying in marshy wetlands. The area is a high bio diversity zone that relies on the lagoon created by Madu River as it flows into the Indian Ocean. Your safari will take you on a ride down the river. You will get to see the dense mangrove forest that grows along the marshy banks of the river and the forms of wildlife that call the roots home. Your guide will also take you some of the larger free standing islands on Madu River. On one such island you will find an old Buddhist monastery. Cinnamon harvesting is the main employment of the people of this area.

Another attraction of the safari is the famous fish massage. This ‘massage parlor’ is a hut standing on stilts in the middle of the river. A netted in area contains the ‘massage fish’. You will be sitting on the deck of the hut with your feet in the water, while the fish work their magic.

Meetiyagoda, located in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its unique moonstone mines. These shimmering semi-precious stones, known for their iridescent sheen, are mined here amidst lush greenery. Visitors can witness the traditional methods of extraction and purchase exquisite moonstone jewelry, making it a gem enthusiast's paradise.

What's not included

Entrance tickets. (Lunuganga Estate).

Food and drinks.

Gratuities (optional).

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Talpe

Talpe is a charming coastal village in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Talpe Beach

A beautiful and less crowded beach with golden sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Unawatuna Beach

A popular beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's great for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities may have separate costs)

Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city with Dutch colonial architecture, museums, and charming streets.

Historical Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Jungle Beach

A secluded and serene beach surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful escape and snorkeling.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities may have separate costs)

Koggala Lake

A picturesque lake known for its scenic beauty and boat tours. It's a great place for bird watching and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Nature Half day Moderate (boat tour costs vary)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, or fish.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan).

String Hoppers

Noodle-like strings made from rice flour and coconut milk, served with curries and sambols.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan).

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour fish curry made with a special blend of spices and goraka (a sour fruit).

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish.

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Scuba diving Hiking Beach relaxation Yoga Spa treatments Temple visits

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, perfect for beach activities and sightseeing.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

UTC+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Talpe is generally safe for travelers, but it's essential to take standard precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and services.
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.

Getting there

By air

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 120 km
Bandaranayake International Airport • 130 km

By train

Galle Station

By bus

Galle Bus Terminal, Colombo Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport and are very affordable. They can be crowded and may not always be on time.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Beachfront Area Talpe Village

Day trips

Galle

10 km • Half day to full day

Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its charming streets filled with shops, museums, and cafes.

Hikkaduwa

15 km • Full day

A popular beach town known for its surfing, snorkeling, and vibrant nightlife.

Koggala

15 km • Half day

A picturesque town known for its scenic lake and boat tours. It's also the setting for the famous novel 'The Moon and the Sixpence' by W. Somerset Maugham.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon) Vesak • May (full moon) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to see the sunrise.
Try local seafood dishes, especially crab and fish curries, which are fresh and delicious.
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts.
Take a boat tour of Koggala Lake to enjoy the scenic beauty and spot wildlife.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your cultural experience and connect with locals.